Jessica Norah – travel blogger


 

Every other week, Discover Walks will share with some great insight from Travel bloggers from around the world who fell in love with Paris. They will share their favorites addresses and things to do while in Paris. Because genuine advice and stories are so important to us, in addition to our born-and-raised Parisian tour stories, we now bring you real advice from fellow travelers.

Bonjour Jessica, can you tell us more about who you are?

Bonjour! My name is Jessica Norah, I was born in 1984 and was born in Ohio, USA. I am an American travel blogger currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland with my British husband, Laurence Norah. My husband is also a travel blogger and photographer and runs his own website ‘Finding the Universe’.

Why did you start writing independenttravelcats?

I started Independent Travel Cats back in June 2013 as a way to write about my travels. At the time I was working as a clinical psychologist in California and was just writing about the trips I took during vacations abroad and around the state. Then in 2015 I left my job and have been running the travel blog as a full-time job ever since along with my husband.

Why did you start traveling?

I love seeing new places, learning new things, and meeting new people. I think the main reason I travel is because I am curious and crave new things – I love to learn stuff!

What’s special about your blog?

There are thousands of travel blogs out there, and I think what sets Independent Travel Cats apart is that my articles are written for someone who is intellectually curious and really wants to know about a specific place – my posts tend to be quite detailed. Readers often tell me that they my posts are often the most helpful posts they’ve found online in planning their trip. We also get complimented a lot on our photography which is mostly thanks to having a professional travel photographer as a husband.

What would be your top 3 things to do in Paris?

There are so many great things to do in Paris but generally: exploring the gardens, visiting the museums, and just enjoying the Parisian food and culture.

Your favorite landmark in Paris?

The Eiffel Tower comes to mind of course, but my favorite is Notre Dame. I never get tired of looking at that French Gothic building – I find it very interesting and love seeing it from different angles as I wander around the city.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Paris?

I don’t really have a favorite neighborhood, but I really love the 4th arrondissement of Paris and that is where I normally stay in Paris – it is centrally located and full of historical buildings and museums, including the famous Notre Dame.

Could you give us your recommendation to first timers in Paris?

If I were recommending experiences for a first trip to Paris (outside of the obvious ones), I would probably say take a boat cruise along the Seine, enjoy time in the cafes and restaurants, explore the gardens, go to a play or opera at Opéra Garnier (beautiful setting), and find and explore one of Paris’s lesser known museums such as Musée Jacquemart-André. Some of my very first blog post were about my time in Paris.

Thank you so much Jessica, keep on enjoying Paris!

Merci beaucoup :-)

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


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